Five country pubs with rooms and blissful views

Great British Pub Week kicks off this Friday and what better way to celebrate than with a pint of local ale or a glass of hot toddy at one of these English pubs with cosy rooms and blissful views combined.

The Drunken Duck, Cumbria

Lodged between the Old Man of Coniston, Hawkshead and Ambleside, The Drunken Duck, has views for all weathers. When the sun beams down on Cumbria you can gaze up to the Langdale Pikes or down across glistening Windermere. And if it rains, inside you’ll find walls lined with nostalgic art and a hypnotising open fire to set up camp next to with a pint of award-winning local ale in hand.

The Maltsters Arms, Devon

As you approach this little waterside pub you’ll spot its reflection shimmering in Bow Creek – that’s if there isn’t a sailing boat moored outside. A couple miles up the River Dart from Dittisham, The Maltsters Arms was once owned by legendary bon viveur Keith Floyd and continues to be a haven for sailors, locals and foodies alike. There are quayside barbecues in summer and come winter, you can perch next to the log fire while tucking into the local catch of the day.

The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire

What used to be the old deer keeper’s lodge is now a homely country pub, with seven miles dedicated to fishing along the River Hodder and views across the luscious deer park to the brooding hills beyond. The outdoor terrace, riverside restaurant and private dining room all make the most of the rural vistas. The food is rustic and comforting, as is the interior with its golden-framed mirrors, logs stacked up next to one of several open fires and handsome oak tables.

The White Horse, Norfolk

From the motorway The White Horse doesn’t stand out, which is just how aficionados of this Norfolk watering-hole like it. The best bit is actually hidden around the back, where the large terrace looks over Brancaster Marsh to the seabird colony at Scolt Head Island and some of the most sumptuous sunsets in the country. Stay the night and you can catch the sunrise too.

The Riverside Inn, Herefordshire

The clue is in the name with this endearing country pub, burrowed deep in the Herefordshire countryside alongside the peaceful River Lugg. Take a seat in the riverside garden simmering with wildlife and you’ll see butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, leaping trout, kingfishers and maybe even an otter. There are plenty of local Herefordshire ciders to savour as well, including Wye Valley Ale from Stoke Lacy and artisan brews from Much Marcle and Wigmore.